Friends and family gathered for a charity football match to pay an emotional tribute to a 26-year-old man who died in his south Norfolk home.

Karl Weatherhead died on May 5, in Woodton, near Bungay.

He had taken his own life, leaving behind his girlfriend Chalice Nicholson, a four-year-old daughter, father Neil and other family and many friends.

His family now wants to raise awareness of men's mental health and are trying to turn his death into something positive, by, for example, donating his organs, which have already saved three lives.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Woodton United (in the orange and black kit) and Karls Eleven (in the red) pictured before kick-off in the charity match for KarlWoodton United (in the orange and black kit) and Karls Eleven (in the red) pictured before kick-off in the charity match for Karl (Image: Submitted)

On Sunday, August 6, Mr Weatherhead's friends formed a squad to compete against Woodton United in a charity match to raise money for men's mental health awareness.

Woodton United captain, Alex Piggin, 28, had known Mr Weatherhead his whole life and spearheaded the organisation for the charity match.

Mr Piggin said: "I'm just so proud of everyone for coming together, and through the beauty of sport we have been able to pay tribute to my childhood friend.

"Everyone who knew Karl is absolutely distraught, it is so upsetting, and through this football match, we want to raise awareness for men's mental health.

"People going through hard times should not feel afraid to speak out because once you take action there is no going back."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Both Lucas Woljung (left) and Alex Piggin (centre) played in the charity match for Karl Weatherhead (right) Both Lucas Woljung (left) and Alex Piggin (centre) played in the charity match for Karl Weatherhead (right) (Image: Submitted)

READ MORE: Family pays loving tribute to Beccles father who died after going missingBeccles & Bungay Journal: Karl Weatherhead (left) and Woodton United FC captain Alex Piggin (right) pictured together, were childhood friendsKarl Weatherhead (left) and Woodton United FC captain Alex Piggin (right) pictured together, were childhood friends (Image: Submitted)

READ MORE: Friends tribute to best friend who drowned on the Broads

The match finished 6-1 to Woodton United, with players and spectators contributing donations which reached £455.68.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up.

Funds will be split between Papyrus, which works to prevent young suicide, and the family.

An inquest into his death is scheduled to take place on October 2, at Norfolk Coroners Court.

To donate go to the link: //gofund.me/d64e7ad4